MONITORING OF LAS IN DIRECT DISCHARGE SITUATIONS

A wide monitoring of LAS (Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate) in real envir onmental conditions was conducted. First of all, LAS was extensively m onitored in a small river that receives untreated sewage front a non-i ndustrial village. Sampling was carried out in different weather seaso ns and in all cases the observed biodegradation reached values higher than 90 %. On the other hand, LAS was monitored in sludge modified soi ls taken samples periodically. Biodegradation rate and half life of LA S were below the limits found in the specialized literature confirming that no accumulation can occur under normal environmental circumstanc es.